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At the Martin School, we believe that studying public policy is one of the most powerful ways for students to turn their passions for leadership, service and advocacy into careers that make a difference. Our public policy program prepares students for a wide range of meaningful career paths — whether in law, government, nonprofit leadership, policy research, communications or other fields. Our graduates leave with the critical thinking, analytical and communication skills needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced world. Many also continue their education in law school or other graduate programs. 

7:1 Students to Faculty

Close instruction with a diverse faculty is at the core of our educational commitment.

#4 Public Budgeting and Finance

We have ranked highly in US News and World Report for years.

$6.5M $6.5 Million in grant funding in the last five years!

Our faculty deliver ground-breaking research at the highest levels.

#26 Public Affairs graduate programs

according to US World and News Report 2024

Academic Programs

All Programs Online, Certificates, Undergraduate Minor, & more!

You can earn Master's degree or Certificate at your own pace, online. Our programs are designed to meet you where you are, and train you to launch a career in public service.

Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy B.A.

A major or minor in Public Policy will give you the skills you need to offer applied, analytical solutions that impact the world. 

Master of Public Administration M.P.A.

Master the skills required for advanced careers across the public administration, government, nonprofit management, and public affairs opportunities. 

Master of Public Policy M.P.P.

Master applied analytical solutions to further analyze policy and use data to drive progress within an organization. This degree is ideal for those wanting to advance professionally and practically.

Master of Public Financial Management M.P.F.M.

Designed in mind with professionals who are currently in the workforce and hoping to gain practical skills in    public budgeting and finance to advance in their career while maintaining employment.

PhD in Public Policy and Administration Ph.D.

This degree is designed for those who are interested in carrying out sophisticated policy research and meaningful careers in academia, government agencies, and organizations of their choosing.

Latest News

2024 Wendell H. Ford Lecture, featuring Douglas Brinkley

Presidential historian and noted author Douglas Brinkley will be the featured speaker at the University of Kentucky's 2024 Wendell H. Ford Public Policy Lecture at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 8 at the Singletary Center for the Arts (405 Rose St., Lexington, K, 40508). Complimentary parking at the Linden Walk, Boone Center, and Memorial Coliseum lots will be reserved for all guests (no UK pass required) from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Seminar: Igor Cunha

A Century of Municipal Bond Financing Co-authors: Gustavo S. Cortes (University of Florida) & Klenio Barbosa (SKEMA Business School) Abstract

Martin School Co-Sponsors 2024 NTJ Forum

{Reprinted from ntanet.org} The Editors of the National Tax Journal (NTJ) are excited to continue our webinar series that periodically features some of the NTJ’s recently published articles. Co-sponsored with the University of Kentucky’s Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, The Rise of Student Debt and Loan Forgiveness webinar will comprise four papers from the Forum in the September 2024 issue.

2024 Graduation Reception

Congratulations to the Martin School Class of 2024! 

Data and Evidence class presents data visualizations during Data Walk

Students in PPL 401 - Data and Evidence in Public Policy presented their data visualization projects this April. Topics were very diverse and included higher education, drug policies, zoning laws, reduction of firearm-related crimes, and more.

Upcoming Events

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